The People's Movement on their resistant to Solid Waste Disposal Plant in Baan Pa Tung Noi, Pa Da District, Doi Saket, Chiangmai Province

Abstract

This research aims to: 1) study the factors that lead to group integration of the people on their protests to solid waste disposal plant in Baan Pa Tung Noi, Pa Da District, Doi Saket, Chiangmai Province. 2) Study the patterns and movement strategy of the people on their protest towards solid waste disposal plants. This study employ a qualitative method of research by collecting data and documents related to the survey area with an in-depth interview with 29 people, which includes local community leaders and those who participated in the protest against the construction of the project.  The result of the study shows that:

1. Factors that lead to group integration of the people on their protest against solid waste disposal plant was because the people are concerned about the impact of the waste disposal plant on natural resources and environment in the community. Most especially the problems that has to do with bad smell from waste and garbage, dust, agricultural related problems, public utilities, and problems related to public health, which might affect the general health of the people in the area. The people however, were not satisfied that the project lacked transparency and participation from the people. As a result, the people in the area all came out to protest against the construction of the project.


2. The result of patterns and movement strategy of the people on their protest towards solid waste disposal plants shows that, they have various movement strategy such as; Political strategic movement which includes submitting a petition according to the government bureaucracy mechanism and legal actions according to the law. Normal strategic movement, which includes pressurization, making general meetings, closing of roads and streets, and public communication. Apart from this, the use of social mechanisms was also been applied as a tool in their protest.


3. 
   

   Suggestions: The current situation of people’s movement demonstrates the role of civil rights in political participation. Therefore, the government and responsible agencies should provide opportunities for the public to participate in the management of environmental and natural resources problems in the Local government including relevant agencies. However, allowing the public to participate in the management process will allow the government to be aware things that needed improvement in order avoid problems that will affect the people in the future. The results of this study will be useful to interested individual that are eager to learn, people's movement and might lead to widening the scope in the quest for tools in developing the democracy of Thailand in the future.